Workplace stress is something Meditation Expert Carolyne Gowen has experienced first-hand. For nearly 20 years, she was immersed in the corporate world working in the fast-paced publishing industry as an advertising director where she says daily stresses included, “tight deadlines, competitive pitches, aggressive budgets, demanding staff, relentless clients, tough retail conditions, interest rises and sale slumps.”These anxieties are not unique. In fact, they familiar to many of us and can leave us feeling overwhelmed, out of control and less able to concentrate, solve problems, keep motivated and achieve our goals not just at work but in every aspect of our lives.
It’s no secret that meditation can help restore a sense of inner peace, re-focus the mind and release stress and anxiety but, as Carolyn says, “when we’re juggling busy schedules or caught up in a hectic pace of life, it can be hard to fit meditation into our everyday.” She goes on, “In an ideal world, we would meditate at a specific hour each day for a fixed period of time, while seated on a comfortable cushion in a peaceful space. But that’s not reality…. We need to move away from traditional practice, which is typically free of noise or distractions and look for opportunities to meditate amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily life.”
Carolyne’s Top 5 Ways to Meditate On-the-Go
In Transit
Whether you’re on a bus, a subway, a plane or a train, being in an enclosed space offers a great opportunity to practice meditation. Guided visualization meditations or guided breathing meditations can be listened to on your iPod or smartphone. You can download an abundance of free apps which can guide you through this process. Alternatively, you can close your eyes and start repeating the mantra ‘Om’ or So-Hum’ silently and effortlessly to yourself for 10-15 minutes.
At Lunch Time
In your lunch hour, go and sit in a boardroom or in the park for 20 minutes and meditate. There are many different forms – mantra, focussing on the breath, guided and mindfulness meditation just to name a few.
At Your Desk
If you’re stuck at your desk, plug your headphones into your computer, close your office door (if you have one) and take a quick meditation break to clear your thoughts and refresh your mind. There are countless meditation websites or YouTube channels that offer meditations to practice while at your desk.
In The Car
If you’re the family chauffeur or your job requires a lot of driving, there will be times before a meeting or while on pickup duty when you are stuck sitting in a parked car. Have a meditation CD in your CD player and pick a track that is appropriate to the time you have available.
In Bed
When the day is done and it’s time to wind down, it’s the perfect time to let go of the mental clutter of the day. Try practicing mindful meditation while lying in bed. Not only does it free the mind of stress, it relaxes the body and prepares you for a good night’s sleep.
Remember, to always say thank you for the great things that have happened that day. Whatever you go to bed thinking about marinates in your subconscious mind for 8 hours. Therefore, ensure you are thinking positive thoughts.
Carolyne also runs classes or personalised meditation sessions. More information can be found at: www.stillyourmind.com.au
*research by Medibank Private